Hi and welcome back! Another installment of our tale of 'When Psychiatry Attacks!' is underway. Just kidding, no shrinks were harmed in the making of this tale…just stretched a bit, that's all.

But before we continue on, we'd like to thank the following for their Reviews, Alerts or Faves: readerjunkie (man how do your reviews come up twice?), pbow, kaitlynchosenisme, Jimmy1201 and Tito-Mosquito. Thanks, one and all!

Previously, the search for Ron seems to include another young lady other than Kim, but fear not, he's only being sought out for his Best-Man skills…Kim, on the other hand, is still having issues from that not-so-long-ago-summer, but was given some stand-in Ronshine to comfort her in the night. Bonnie's seen the light and has amassed a dossier that would shame Wade or GJ; I guess money does have its own privileges. And Betty clues in two of her best on what's coming and what led to this sitch; but not what happened to Ron Stoppable. Meanwhile Ron is living as he has chosen while making his way, no matter what his 'rents or his Yamanouchi friends have to say. Maybe he got Kim's 'message' from back then…?

And to do our part and keep the lawyers away: The characters of the Kim Possible show represented within are the exclusive property of the Disney Corporation. Their inclusion in this tale is for entertainment purposes only, with no money being made from their run about the block in here. Several times at that, too.

Now onto chapter 3.

Storm Chaser

3

Middleton, Colorado:

Moments after the platinum blonde lightly knocked on the door of her girlfriend's townhouse a puffy-eyed brunette opened the door. "Congratulations Tara.", Bonnie sniffed as she hugged her lifelong friend, "Come on in and make yourself at home I'll bring some coffee out."

Pulling back in concern, "Thanks Bonnie, but you already congratulated me earlier."

Sniffling and wiping her nose on a tissue, "Between best friends it doesn't count unless you do it in person."

A couple minutes later Bonnie returned with two cups and a carafe full of the dark brown, yet decaffeinated, liquid. Before Bonnie sat down she asked, "SO let me see it already."

In a blush Tara held out her left hand for inspection.

Bonnie took the offered hand and gazed at the ring, "Very nice, I like the stone. Josh did a good job picking it out."

"Well he didn't do it alone 'B', I was with him because he wanted to make sure that I was happy with it. Then after he got it he got down on his knee again."

"Why a second time Tara?", teal eyes locked onto bright blue ones.

Her smile growing as she explained, "Well the first time was the charm, but he wanted to do it with the ring on hand and ready to put on my finger. We were out in a park we always go to when we want to be all alone when he asked me. It was perfect, but I already considered myself his when I said yes the first time."

"So when are you two planning on doing this?"

"During Christmas break at the end of the fall semester." Then looking playfully at Bonnie, "You know we're gonna burn some minutes on our phone plans after this.", Tara giggled.

"Just reverse charges to me T; Junior gives me a big expense account.", Bonnie said with a mischievous smile.

"Speaking of Junior, how's things between you two these days?", Tara asked hopefully.

"Lately Junior's been hinting about something and I'm going over to his Island in a couple weeks to relax, so maybe he'll pop the question then.", Bonnie said with an equally hopeful smile.

Tara squealed at the implication, "Oh that would be sweet you and he make a perfect couple. Especially since you've shaped that boy up; he's not nearly as self-absorbed as he once was."

"Yeah we do. His Father already told me that I have made him a very happy man. I hope that I'll be able to make Papi so much happier."

With a cautious smile, "Has he given up on the 'pop singer' career?"

"It took a while, but between Papi and me, we convinced him to scrap his ideas of trying to enthrall his fans with his singing.", Bonnie explained to her questioning look. "Push came to shove when he tried to sing in a wilderness area on the mainland to get closer to nature…He started a stampede with all the animals in the vicinity that almost crushed a village in their path."

"Oh no! I hope no one was hurt." Tara exclaimed in shock. "So how was a disaster averted there?"

"Luckily Global Justice was nearby, they weren't sure about his motives and were keeping an eye on him, so they were able to divert the animals from destroying anyone or themselves before corralling them in a valley. After we convinced them that it was Junior's singing and not a villainous plot, they let us go.", Bonnie laughed at the memory.

Tara giggled at the mental image of the event, "Wow Bonnie, I never thought that he would give up on it. So what is he doing now?"

"Time changes everyone T; if there's one thing I've learned since high school it's that. Now Junior represents struggling singers and groups to get them established in the business. Since he doesn't need the money, the small commission he receives he donates to charity. And he's been able to get some of the record companies to match his donations.", Bonnie explained.

"I'm glad it's better for you now."

"Me too,", Bonnie sighed. "Now I know what Kim and Ron had.", the teal eyed brunette said forlornly.

"Oh and what did they have Bonnie? You already told me that Kim left then Ron did shortly after she cut him off."

"Well it took us a while, but we don't think Ron ever met back up with her. Credit Cards charges leave an electronic trail, so if Ron bought a ticket to go and see her there should have been some sort of record."

"Kim and Ron always got freebies Bonnie….."

"Kim always got freebies and special treatment T, not Ron. All Ron got was to sit in the back of cold, non-insulated cargo planes while Kim got invited to sit up front in the cockpit where it was warm…..."

At Tara's look of surprise, "You've got to remember Junior's Dad can buy just about anything, or get any information out there; so I read their mission logs in my spare time. All of them."

Her face fell at what Bonnie revealed to her about her two friends, "That's terrible that Ron was treated like that, but I guess once overlooked, always overlooked.", Tara said sadly at the memories of those slights she was aware of back in high school. "So you learned that Ron didn't leave Middleton to meet up with Kim in England.", Tara asked, then at the nod, "Then where did he go?"

"Ron got on a flight to Houston, Texas, where he was supposed to connect with his next flight north…but he never showed. His bags made the connection, but he wasn't with them.", Bonnie explained.

"Where did his bags end up?", Tara asked at this revelation.

"In some small airport in in North Dakota, T, Ron never showed up to claim them."

"Why would Ron fly to Texas if he was going to North Dakota, Bonnie?"

Throwing up her hands in frustration, "With Stoppable, who knows? For that matter why did he invent the Naco? Remember when he did that?"

"Yes, and the royalty money he received got you a very nice gift if I remember.", Tara's eyes narrowed at the memory of her friend's covetous invasion into Ron's personal space back then.

Bonnie sniffed again, "Yeah he did, didn't he?" Looking to her friend sincerely, "I still have it you know; it reminds me of what was and what we have now."

Shedding a few more tears, "It took me years to grow up, T. I now know some of what it really cost."

XXX

Osaka, Japan:

"Ronald that was a wonderful lunch, the way the lobster was prepared here was so much different than how we've had it in the States. After this I believe we'll have to consider having this dish prepared outside of our zone of familiarity.", the blond woman told her son as walked from the restaurant they had just dined in.

"That's one thing about being over here Mom; you learn so many new things. Sometimes I'm just overwhelmed by the culture of Japan and how far back in time it goes.", Ron said quietly as he looked over Hanna and to his parents. The child had long since passed out during lunch, her head resting on his shoulder.

Then the blond young man looked behind him, "Hey Yori and Hiro wasn't that a great lunch?"

At the smiles and nods Ron turned back, "So who's up for dessert?"

"Stoppable-san.", Yori chided the young Master, "Gluttony is not something to be practiced among Yamanouchi students."

"Awww come on Yori, you and I know this place that has real good ice cream…and they even have butterscotch topping.", the young American tempted her, drawing out the last word suggestively.

The Japanese woman blushed slightly before she continued, "We are here for a week Ron-san, so we have time to sample many different things here. Do not attempt to do too much all at once. That is something from your past, that you know better of now."

Shrugging his shoulders, "Sure I guess you're right. Ok, let's go back to the hotel and let Hanna sleep off her jet lag and the meal.", he relented. "Man I can't believe how much she can pack away. At least I know what to order for her when it's on the menu.", Ron quipped as he looked fondly at Hanna while they walked on.

After a moment, "Then how about I have some tea for us sent up to my room while she rests? If Mom and Dad want to they can take a nap as well.", Ron smiled as he continued to carry his sleeping Sister.

Hirotaka asked, "Ron-san may I carry the child? She must be getting heavy in your arms."

"Thanks Hiro, but I haven't been around Sis for a long time and I need to be able to do this." After grimacing, "But I have to admit she is getting bigger…..and uh heavier.", Ron chuckled lightly then kissed her on the head as they threaded their way down the crowded sidewalk to their hotel.

Dean decided to take Ron up on his offer after the long flight and the drive from Tokyo, "The nap idea is a good one Ronald, do you think we can get an hour or so?"

"Yeah Dad it'll be cool, then when you guys get up I'll get tea sent up."

Dean looked over at his son, impressed at what he's seen so far. 'He has changed, he's not a child with insecurities anymore…He is a man.'

XXX

Lab-coated, for a change, and carrying a cup of hot cocoa, Professor Hans Demenz hummed an old Bavarian tune as he walked through what used to be a lair in the Austrian Alps. Instead of being filled with doomsday devices, death lasers or cannons, the cavern was now a fully equipped laboratory that only he and one or two assistants were busy working in. The security he kept onsite was more to keep the curious, malicious and innocent, at a distance for their and his business secrets', safety.

These days the diminutive former Teutonic Terror was an honest businessman and scientist, bent on conquering whatever challenge was posed to him in his chosen field of electronics and electrical engineering. The Pan Dimensional Vortex Inducer was no longer something he coveted, like a certain battle suit he now likewise refrained from 'acquiring'; instead he now spent his days working on ways to produce electrical energy that was sustainable and available to all, regardless of location in the world.

This turn of events for him, and a few other former villains came about shortly after the 'Lowardian Incident'. The UN, backed by the governments of the world, the law enforcement agency GJ and the military firepower of NATO, offered the current roster of super villains a one-time, 'stay out of jail' amnesty if they ceased their plans to take over the world and become honest, productive citizens of their chosen nations. With those 'incentives' backing the offer, many took up it up, while others were swayed by the accompanying 'video' shown to them of Kim Possible administeringthe beat down that sent packing the two aliensthe world's combined militaries could not defeat.

Though many took the offered amnesty based upon who and what was offering it, some needed the nudge, or threat if you will, of the firepower behind those offering the amnesty. Several former villains were heard to lament that they would have rather taken their chances with the teen heroine who had defeated an alien invasion and sent two super-sized extraterrestrials scrambling to their demise in a doomed spacecraft than the military firepower of a combat entity.

Drew Lipsky, Sheila Gogh and Hans Demenz were among the first to take up the offer to quit super villainy, putting to rest their plans of world conquest and channeled their talents to more legal pursuits. The first two needed no such nudge from GJ or NATO, instead they already came willingly after the UN lauded them for their actions during the invasion, and by then had already considered career changes.

However, what wasn't known to many was that their actions during the invasion weren't exactly as were reported to the world. Drakken and Shego had a secret that only they, those present who could remember their involvement in the incident, and it would seem the highest ranking members of GJ, knew about. And as part of the terms of acceptance of them renouncing their status as villains was that no one else would ever know the truth of what happened that day. Though this condition was held over their heads by GJ, they bore it with no malice for some reason; a reason they couldn't quite put their fingers on, dating back to right after the Lowardians died in the crash.

So for the most part the baddies that had plagued Kim and Ron throughout high school had become, if not model citizens, at the very least they were contributing members of society. At the minimum they stayed out of trouble and when they thought about it, even paid their taxes.

The diminutive genius looked up from his work to a ringing video phone.

Ever mindful of good manners now that he had 'retired' from his days of villainy, "Ja, hello, goot evening.", Hans said as he answered the call.

"And a good morning to you Professor.", the cultured aristocratic voice replied, well aware the German didn't know or even care what time of day it was.

"Vatever, morning ort evening Herr Senor. Vat are vou needing ve are doing much vork here.", the pigmy reverted to his usual short brusqueness to get to the point.

"Just passing along a reminder to you of the Former Villains' Picnic is scheduled for this weekend on my island.", the old gentleman chuckled an evil chuckle, still getting some mileage from the chapter of Evil Laughs, from his long retired 'Book of Villainy'.

"I had almost forgot, vhat do vou want me to bring? German potato pancakes? Strudel? Or if you prefer, I can bring a barrel of the finest Beir on the Earth.", Professor Dementor inquired.

"Bring whatever you feel comfortable with Hans, my staff is doing the heavy lifting for this event….It is my turn you know."

"Ja I remember, I had it last summer. I hope that everyone enjoyed my little Summerfest and Beirgarten."

"All our former comrades in villainy enjoyed the event, it was just like vacationing in Bavaria in October.", Senor cackled at the memory.

Crowing slightly, "Glad you enjoyed mein little contribution to zhe festivities. I appreciate your kind vords of praise.", Hans said with a small measure of modesty. Then making small talk, but with an ulterior motive in mind, "Zo is Junior still trying for a zinging career?"

"Yes, in a way he is, but his young lady is keeping him occupied for the most part."

"Oh he ez still involved with Fraulien Possible's former high school nemesis?"

"Yes he is and they are getting serious, my son is finally growing up." Sighing in gratitude, "I thought it would take forever."

"Zo no 'Blue Fox'?"

"Ah no, according to my sources, Miss Possible, and I must request that this goes no further than this discussion, it seems has her own troubles that she is recovering from. I suppose in the briefing you received from Global Justice when each of us was initially inspected they mentioned that she was retired, and in effect was off limits to any old grudges or retaliations, did you not?"

"Ja Herr Senior, I will speak nothing of what you say about our former nemesis, but ja, I do remember hearing dat about her. Zo, vhat do you tink may have happened to her?"

"Well we are both very aware of Miss Possible's code of conduct when it came to fighting the good fight against super villains, of how her intentions were never to take a life, even to save them by all means at her disposal if she could."

"Ja, ja, I remember this about her. But you don't tink…?"

"Yes Hans, I do. And I believe those aliens dying, even indirectly from her actions against them, may have had an adverse effect upon her.", Senor assured his former comrade in villainy, leaving out what he had actually learned of her plight at Oxford, shortly after her arriving there.

"I nefer vould have guessed dis could haf happened to her. I suppose even heroes haf dere breaking point.", Demenz shrugged in sympathy.

"Yes, well that seems to be the case, even with someone as resilient as Miss Possible.", Senior nodded back, "However, as things have turned out since the invasion, many of us have been guided to channel our talents in ways that would never call for our feisty former foe to cross swords with us as in the days of villainy past. And per the terms of our 'agreement' with GJ, we can make a tidy sum while doing so.", he said mischievously.

"Ja, zat vould seem zo, Mein Senior, and zose inspections ve get every now and zen by GJ really keeps us on our toes to prove to zem zat ve are not backsliding.", Demenz sighed. "But zhe royalties ve get from selling zoes inventions to major corporations and the patents ve receive for zhem really make up for zhe headache. In spite of zhe five percent off zhe top zat Fraulein Dr. Director gets from zhem."

Sighing in resignation, "Dis iz zhe kind of violence our former nemesis nefer inflicted on us…Miz Possible was a better adversary in zhat regard.", Demenz relented.

"That she was Demenz, that she was.", Senior agreed. "But I have learned that Dr. Director has become quite wealthy in spite of the fact that she donates most of her cut to charities which aid those we may have harmed over the years through our villainy."

"And a very available fraulein too, vouldn't you zay?", the Professor winked and nodded. "My zources haf made me aware zhat she iz a very 'hot' commodity in zhe zingles zet.", he beamed smugly, "Zo, iz she someone you vould be interested in pursuing romantically, Mein Herr?", Demenz chuckled a tease to the elderly Senior.

In mock surprise, "Hans, I'm shocked at what you are insinuating, Betty Director is old enough to at the very least be my daughter. Besides there's the age difference to consider should I marry someone as young and fit as Dr. Director. Just think of the risk of even surviving the honeymoon, it could be fatal, to say the least."

With a playful smirk as he shrugged his shoulders, hands cupped before him as he played along, "Vell, if she goes, she goes.", he chuckled before both former villains joined in a hearty laugh at the old joke both had heard many times down through the years of May-December relationships that ended in short marriages and even shorter honeymoons.

Wiping a mirthful tear from his eye, "But seriously Hans, no, I am a widower and at my age I do not foresee anyone taking my dear departed Lydia's place. My Son has a very wonderful woman with him and very soon I expect they will announce their intentions to make their status permanent.", Senior informed his friend. "As for me, my time of dabbling in villainy has passed; with Miss Possible's retirement I will find other ways to occupy my time and my mind.", he sighed, "But I will miss those encounters with her, she was more than a worthy foe.", Senior said with reverence.

Then peering shrewdly at his friend, "Now my friend, it seems that you are asking enough questions about her to make me wonder about your intentions. So I ask are you by any chance, romantically interested in Elizabeth Director?", Senor asked as he put the ball back in the German's court.

"Nein, no my former wife iz into me for a lot of money az it iz, zo vith zhat lesson learned I am in no hurry to do zhat again.", Dementor coughed, "En you are right Herr Senior, Miz Possble was indeed an admirable foe."

"I see, you have my condolences in the first regard.", Senior replied to Demenz's plight. "And Hans as to the second, I am looking forward to seeing you this weekend especially at the prospect of having a stein of beir with you, as we toast old allies, old foes and discuss new challenges."

"Ja it vill be goot, danke Herr Senior. Zo until zhis weekend. Now if you vould excuse me, I must get back to work."

XXX

The Possible home:

"Good morning Mom.", Kim yawned as she entered the kitchen and gave Anne a kiss and a hug. "Thanks for giving Pandaroo to me last night, it made more than a little difference.", she said with a pleasant smile. "You know since I put Ron's old jersey on I am so relaxed…almost like I used to be."

"That's good to hear Kimmie.", Anne said in relief, "Now I have the morning free so after we eat we'll get your license renewed. I'd hate for you to get a ticket honey.", she said as she returned the hug and kiss.

"Thanks Mom, you always think of stuff like this.", Kim replied as she sat down at the table and poured herself a cup of coffee.

"I have waffle batter all made up all we have to do is wait for the iron to heat up and you'll be eating five minutes later.

Sigh, "It's just like old times, you me, Dad…the Tweebs.", Kim said as she looked around the dining room table to their seats, until, "And Ronnie.", the younger red head sighed sadly and quietly.

"Yes he could pack them away Kimmie."

"Mom….."

"Yes dear.", Anne replied as she poured the batter into the waffle iron.

"I was wrong."

"Wrong? About what?", Anne turned with a raised eyebrow towards her daughter.

Kim clarified, "I was wrong about having doubts about Ronnie on so many things. I made too much of my abilities and too little of his. He was getting better all the time and I ignored it. I was wrong."

"You weren't completely wrong Kimmie; you just reacted to something you didn't understand. I just wish you would have, at least, called Wade for help, but that's water under the bridge now. You have come back tremendously, and you overcame this without anyone's help."

"Mom that episode last night just shows how far I still have to go. I can still turn into a basket case at the drop of a hat."

"Kimmie I am never going to be upset about you for having that breakdown, please remember that. But the only thing I question was your judgment for trying to hide from all the support you had back here. I truly believe that if we could have gotten you back here all your friends would have supported you and helped pull you through this. Never hide from your family and friends, they all love you."

"Even Ron?"

"Especially Ron.", Anne clarified, "He loved you as much as any boy has ever loved a girl. You should consider yourself very lucky young woman; you had something that fairytales are made of."

"And I tossed it all away because of this crazy fear.", Kim sighed.

"Maybe, maybe not. I can't read the future and I don't think anyone who walks on two legs can either. Now go get dressed, we've got an appointment to renew your driver's license."

"Ok Mom, be right back."

Thirty minutes later Kim was dressed and ready to head downtown with her Mom.

X

Upon entering the Middleton DMV office, Kim took her place in line while Anne took a seat to read a book as she passed the time waiting for her daughter.

Suddenly from the other side of the room, "Oh my gawd…Kim? Kim Possible?", a woman's voice shouted in surprise.

The younger red head immediately scanned around the room until she spied a familiar face. Then rushing forward, arms opened wide her friend reciprocated as she approached, "Hope? Hope, is that you? How are you doing? It's been a long time."

"Just fine, thank you, and yeah, it has…" After a hesitant pause, "Sooo, how are you and Ron doing?", the former cheerleader asked her as she hugged former squad captain, "Did he finally ask you?"

"Ask me? Uh no…he couldn't..I…uh haven't seen Ron for a while.", Kim quietly explained as she returned the hug to her former squad mate.

Hope still wasn't convinced, "Are you sure you're not hiding him somewhere?", she asked with a gleam in her eye.

Sigh, "Hope, listen to me, shortly after I arrived in England I bailed on Ron and had my parents do the same with him and his 'rents here. I haven't talked to him in almost three years. And they have been three lonely and painful years.", her eyes haunted, Kim's voice was almost a whisper at the end.

"Oh! Well when he disappeared after you were in school I thought that Ron must have gotten lonely and went over to England to be with you.", squeezing Kim's arms, "We knew you guys had already stepped your relationship to that level, some of us figured just took the next step to make it official and got married."

Slightly taken aback at the gossip mill pronouncement by her friend, of her and Ron's supposed 'activities' since high school, "No, no he didn't…we didn't….I don't know where he is and sorta thought that someone might know where he went. I want to talk to him. I need to tell him something.", Kim explained after regrouping.

Shaking her head, "I don't think I can help you there Kim, but Bonnie might." "Bonnie?", Kim exclaimed in surprise. "Yeah Bonnie, she's been trying to keep track of all the girls, but I don't know a lot about what happened with any of the guys. But now that you're back in town maybe we can go out sometime and talk about life since graduation." 'If he wasn't with her then where is he?', Hope thought in confusion.

Deciding to change the subject, Kim looked around the office, "So, what are you doing in here?", Kim asked as she looked around the office.

"Mom runs the office and I brought her lunch in today; she forgot it….I think she does it so that I have to get out of the house and do something."

Kim stammered, "Oh, I see. And..as for your suggestion that we get together..I….I'd like that."

Squeezing Kim's hands, "Great, I'll call around and see when we can meet up when the gang's free. So just lazing around this summer?"

"No, I have a summer internship with an old group I worked independently for back in high school. I have to go in today for my badge and to fill out some papers."

"That sounds neat, I've got a summer job too, but I think they're looking at me to become a temp in the office here for the summer.", the young Chinese woman told her, "Listen I'll call you later, I have to get back home and do some laundry or my Mom's going to blow a gasket or something.", she said with a roll of her eyes.

"Is it ok for me to call you tonight?"

"Uh sure Kim, you have the house number, right?", at Kim's nod, "We haven't changed it since Middle School."

"Thanks, I'll call you later then."

As Hope turned to leave, 'I wonder what's wrong with her, she looks like crap. I hope she isn't doing drugs.'

After waiting in line for another half hour and producing two other forms of identification, Kim Possible had her brand new Colorado driver's license. The two Possible women returned home, whereupon Kim waited in her room until the doorbell which sounded around Eleven O'clock. The elder red head opened the door and greeted the visitor. "One moment young man, I will call her."

"Kimmie your GJ ride is here. I know you expect to be home in a few hours, but give me a call if you're going to be late.", Anne called up to her room.

"I will Mom and thanks again."

"I haven't done….."

"Yes you have Mom, more than you'll ever know.", Kim replied as she hugged her Mom.

"Miss Possible, this way please.", the nice young man in GJ coveralls invited her.

XX

Standing at the head of a conference room table, "Miss Possible, welcome to Global Justice. As you remember I am Doctor Elizabeth Director. Now please be seated and make yourself comfortable.", she said with a warm smile as she pointed to a chair next to hers.

After taking a seat in the comfortable chair Kim received a packet, "Inside you'll find some paperwork, it needs to be read from first page through the last; and if you approve, sign and date it immediately. After you have done this there are items in the envelope that you will take into your procession."

"What are they Ma'am?", Kim inquired.

"Your ID's and your passwords. And remember, since you are an intern, you will not be given access to highly classified information nor allowed into sensitive areas. I hope you understand this Kimberly."

"Yes Ma'am I understand, and you also mentioned something about a facilitator, you know a mentor assigned to help me while I'm interning with GJ." At Betty's nod, "So, when will I be able to meet with him?"

At the far end of the table from Kim a high backed chair slowly turned around. "Welcome home Kim.", came a familiar voice she hadn't heard in nearly three years.

"Wade?….Wade! Oh my gawd, Wade.", Kim's chair flew back as she ran to that end of the table.

After a few moments of dodging around the chairs surrounding the table, Kim rushed to him, arms open for a hug. She met Wade before he had made two steps to her, his arms also open wide with a welcoming hug.

Upon reaching him Kim latched onto her old tech guru like a drowning man taking a hand offered to board a lifeboat in a storm.

"Kim it's been a long time. It's good to see you home.", Wade said softly as he felt the red head begin to shudder.

With tears in her eyes, "I'm soo sorry Wade for everything I did to you."

"Kim relax, no one here is going to judge you about what happened back then. GJ is like a family, we will support you. I promise that.", the teen enveloped her in a massive hug.

Looking sheepishly at him, "I have so much wanted to see you again…but..I uh…."

Putting a finger to her lips, "Kim I am aware of what you went through, like I said you are with friends here.", Wade said while sincerely looking into her eyes.

Nodding guiltily, "Ok Wade, thank you, it's just that I have so much to make up for from bailing on all of you back then. After all that happened I'm just glad that anyone I've met back up with will even talk to me now.", Kim said with a small grin on her face as she hugged Wade again.

His eyes bulging from her hug, "Still got that grip, don't you?", he said as she realized Wade's air was being cut off.

"Sorry", she apologized.

"No worries there Kim.", he said to a slightly guilty red head. "Now are you ready to begin your internship?", he asked to her nod.

"Good, so now's as good as any place to begin.", Wade said as their hugs relaxed and they stood slightly apart from each other; Dr. Director watching on in friendly, yet detached, interest.

"The world is a much safer place now, Kim. With the agreements The UN, GJ and NATO received from many of the world's super villains three years ago, things have been for the most part, quiet. But that doesn't mean we've been idle since that either.", Wade began his explanation.

"Even though we have forces ready to deploy at a moment's notice, we seldom have to, because our 'Intel Division' does a lot of work and they help direct our forces more effectively, saving us from performing wasted actions or unnecessary deployments.", he said while beaming in pride since he was a big part of that Division.

Then looking to Kim's packet, "I see that you have a lot of forms to go through before we begin, a few more than when I started here, so if you need some help with them, and if Doctor Director permits, I'd like to help you with them so that we can get to a tour of the place.", Wade told her.

"I'd like that Wade.", Kim replied as she returned to her chair and opened the folder.

Turning to leave Betty said to the pair, "By all means Dr. Load, please give Miss Possible a hand with those forms. Now if you'll excuse me I have a Law Enforcement Agency to run. Kim,", she said to her, "I will see you later after your tour. Wade knows more about this place than I do, and can impart to you more about this site than I could.", she smiled as Kim nodded and went back to the forms.

"And Miss Possible,", Kim looked up from her forms to Dr. Director, "welcome back."

XXX

Osaka, Japan:

Ron returned from putting Hanna down for her nap. "Mom, Dad I'll be right across the hall, all you have to do is dial eight, then my room number." Then after yawning convincingly, "I might close my eyes for a bit as well."

Yawning back, "Alright Ronald we should be up in a couple of hours.", Dean replied.

"Sounds like a batch of nice sized naps for all of us then, see ya in a little while.", Ron said as he turned to the door.

After his folks' door shut he crossed the hall to his door and opened it with his 'key'. After entering his room he went to the edge of his bed and slowly sank to his knees and then to a lotus position on the floor.

(Ron-san are we alone?), Hiro asked as he and Yori entered the room from another door.

(Yes we have about ninety minutes before I expect to hear from my family, so please join me in meditation.), Ron's lowered voice seemed to die within the four walls.

Moments later the young man and young woman also sat in the lotus position and closed their eyes.

(Stoppable-sama please bring us to the fourth plane.), Yori calmly and quietly instructed.

(Deep breath and hold, center your thoughts on your loved ones.), Ron intoned.

The Master of the Mystical Monkey Power began to feel the energy in the room as he sifted through the threads in that plane. Not even Yori had the skill that the American had attained. 'Six months in Tibet meditating was very helpful for the Master.', Yori mused as she let slowly out another breath.

With Ron taking the initiative, the three felt for the threads which took them to a place where they could 'see' the world at large.

"It is a good day; the world is for the most part calm.", Ron sighed as they took in the 'view'. 'Now let us go to the eighth plane so that we may study the way in which the world works.", he sent to his partners in mystical meditation.

Together they began to rise again though Ron had to help Hirotaka a little as the vision of the sacred mountain appeared. It was the mountain they all knew in their hearts, but for some reason it was different to two of them, it looked untouched, newer.

Both men could hear Yori gasp at the realization. "Yes it is Yamanouchi from before Lord Toshimiru arrived.", Ron replied to them; Hiro, likewise gasped as he caught up to them just after Yori did. He also had a hard time taking all this in.

Then Ron Stoppable showed them the wonders he discovered in the months that passed since his first visit here.

"It is fabulous Ron-sama.", Yori said in amazement.

"This is where I got the idea and the inspiration to see this through the study process. Now do you understand?"

"I believe I do, if Hiro-chun does not perceive I shall instruct him.", Yori's voice seemed to ring in both men's minds.

"Let us then see if we can find the founder and make our presence known to him.", Ron's said as his thoughts became more clear and stronger.

"Have you met him Ron-sama?"

"We have conversed a little, but it was mostly out of a wish I expressed to him to learn more about the writings that were lost. Let us proceed."

"Enlightenment is always our true quest Master."

In this plane the three began to walk on the pathless mountain, continuing up the mountainside into the clouds. In time they come upon an armed warrior who appeared to be searching for something.

"Young Master.", Ron said to him, "I see you quest has led you back to this place."

"I wish to be sure….."

Ron could see the man, who had yet to become the Mystical Warrior known as Yamanouchi's founder, was in a quandary. With some historical knowledge at his disposal, Ron suggested, "I have some small insight into these matters Master, I foresee a place a little higher on the mountain would be perfect for what you seek.'

As the young master listened intently, Ron explained further, 'The distance traveled and the seclusion attained will make those who wish to stand with you study their own hearts and desires more deeply. The walk to the chasm itself would be a first big test to see if they truly wish to learn what you could teach them."

"Will you come to explore the meaning of life itself with me?"

"Master, I think that I will come along later with my friends and learn, but do not wait for us…..for our time may be years away yet."

"Then thank you again Ron-san I will contemplate the future as I meditate with the Kami. May we meet again in the rising sun."

"I foresee that I and my friends will return, but remember our path may be long, so until then fare you well.", Ron replied as he bowed and turned away.

"And the temple will await your return as I will count the days until then.", Toshimiru returned the bow and began to walk towards the top of the mountain.

After he disappeared Yori pulled on Ron's sleeve and stated in almost a whisper, "That was Lord Toshimuru? I thought he was so confident when reading about what others said about him."

"Yes he is the original master of Yamanouchi Yorishi-kun. Did you think he was a god? Like all of us, he had his worries and insecurities. He will become a great man, but he has many trials yet to undertake. Those events will take form in what we have been taught. And what we see today that is Yamanouchi."

"But the construction of Yamanouchi took years…."

"And he learned from his labors. You and I are the beneficiaries of his life's work. All that we have learned had its beginning right here. When you meditate tonight you should think about the lonely warrior and his life's work.", Ron told them as he led them away from their founder as he was in the years prior to who he became to them.

"It took years for him to finish the school and to acquire what he imparted to those who came after him. When students began to search him out he was too old to have children. Except for his students he died an old man who devoted his life forces into making a difference in the world."

"Then that is why there are no direct descendents of Lord Toshimuru.", Hiro said as his thoughts caught up with the other two.

"Now you understand Hiro. Master Sensei, though related, came from a younger Sister of Toshimiru. And while Sensei wants us to reproduce it didn't really start out that way. He knows that to find fulfillment one needs to find love.", Ron now explained.

Yori glared at Ron Stoppable, "Then Ron-sama, why do you not find happiness and a family?"

"Yori-san I need no happiness. My life will have no circle of completeness; I have chosen the option that was taken by our Master centuries ago. My chance has passed me by, now I will make life better for others."

Yori warned, "I dare say Ron-sama, you are a fool. Your family name will die with you."

"Ah in the traditional way of my people the family line may be followed through the female branch of the tree. If you remember, I have a Sister; she will find her duty as I have found mine."

"But she is your adopted sis…."

"The blood doesn't matter, Yori, Hanna will carry the name. Now I sense that it is time for us to return to the hotel. Please return to your shells.", Ron instructed the couple.

The three stiffened as they each became aware of their bodies again.

Ron sighed, "They will begin waking in a few minutes, so I will order tea as I promised. So any suggestions about what we will do for the rest of the afternoon before dinner?"

"Did you bring swimwear Ron-sama?", Yori asked.

"But of course."

"They have a large pool here; there is a child's pool as well."

"Excellent idea, when they get up we will spend time in the pool and then take a short walk to re-build our appetites."

"I think you can eat all day.", Hirotaka snorted.

"And I remember not eating for days either.", Ron rebutted in defense of his reputation for eating as he did all those years before.

"You are not the child you were when you arrived at Yamanouchi, Ron-sama.", Yori frowned reminding him of all he had accomplished, "You are a fully trained ninja with mystical powers and it is your duty to pass along your blood and your knowledge. I hope when the time comes you will find someone in which to share your life with."

Hiro decided to snap his fiancée and his close friend out of the ongoing 'discussion' they were having. "Yori-chun and I should return to our dwelling Ron-sama. Maybe you should rest for a few minutes before we spring this activity on your family."

"Sounds good I could use ten minutes or so."

X

"Hey Dad, did you enjoy your nap?", Ron asked as he invited him to sit down on the sofa in the suite.

"I must say I did need it. Your Mother and Hanna are now feeling much better.", Dean replied, "But how did you know they were tired?"

Ron explained, "It was easy to see, not only that but you guys had been on a plane for a long trip, and I don't care how comfortable the seats are it's just not like being home. I can sleep anywhere, but on a plane, I never seem to get any rest on them."

"That's true Ronald, now what do you want to do now?"

"The hotel here has a nice pool and I think that Hanna would like the chance to work off some steam. Not only that but swimming will help make room for some of that dinner I have planned for us tonight."

Dean groaned, "Another dinner like we just had?"

"No Dad, nothing like that.", he said as his Dad sighed in relief, "Something more filling.", Ron chuckled as Dean groaned.

"OK Son I'll tell the girls to get their suits on."

"Great, I'll call Hiro and Yori's room.", Ron smiled as he reached for the phone to call his friends not telling his Father that they had left only a half hour before.

"See you in a little bit Ronald."

XXXX

Some more background on how life for these folks ended up this way. The villains are quiet, for the most part, and some heavy hitters just hang out and contribute to the world at large, without the villainy. And the parties are just spectacular.

Kim's catching up, Ron's moving on, GJ's got their work cut out for them and Wade really likes that cafeteria there…

Hope you enjoyed the chapter and will tell us so, or not…